Welcome to Rappler, a social news network where stories inspire community engagement and digitally fuelled actions for social change. Rappler comes from the root words "rap" (to discuss) + "ripple" (to make waves).

MANILA, Philippines – For months, former president and now Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada has remained coy about his presidential candidate of choice. He ends all speculation about this on the evening of Monday, March 28, when he formally endorses his goddaughter, Senator Grace Poe.

Camille Elemia reports:

CAMILLE ELEMIA, REPORTING: After months of speculation, former president Joseph Estrada endorses his goddaughter, Grace Poe, as his presidential bet over his friend and political ally Vice President Jejomar Binay.

But Estrada’s love for Poe did not extend to her running mate, Francis Escudero. The mayor instead endorses Bongbong Marcos for vice president.

They say save the best for last. That’s what Estrada did on Monday, as he formally endorsed Poe in his proclamation rally.

It took Estrada months to formally endorse a presidential candidate. Poe herself acknowledges it must have been a difficult decision for Estrada. After all, he is also friends with Binay – Poe’s closest rival.

Her father never left my side, so why would I leave her, the daughter of the king and queen of Philippine movies? My friends, let's give a warm round of applause for my godchild – the next president of the Philippines, none other than Grace Poe.

CAMILLE ELEMIA, REPORTING: All smiles, Poe accepts her godfather's endorsement. She even teases him onstage.

He insists the decision was nothing political. Back in 2010, Escudero endorsed Benigno Aquino III in 2010 instead of Estrada.

Estrada says his decision is all about gratitude. He recounts how Imelda Marcos supposedly helped Manila during the Marcos administration.

JOSEPH ESTRADA, FORMER PRESIDENT: Well out of gratitude also to the first lady who was a Metro Manila governor before... Dito sa Manila wala sya nagawa baka sa Bicol, di naman nya sakop ang Manila.

Here in Manila, [Escudero] wasn't able to do anything – maybe in Bicol, but it's not within Manila's jurisdiction.

CAMILLE ELEMIA, REPORTING: While Poe secured Estrada's endorsement, some of the family members are supporting administration standard-bearer Mar Roxas. But for Estrada, this is a non-issue because he calls the shots.

JOSEPH ESTRADA, FORMER PRESIDENT: Independent kami pero kung tatanungin mo ko, di maaaring di ako masunod. Of course, I call the shots. How can I be a leader of millions of Filipinos, becoming the President, if I cannot be a leader of my family?

We are independent. But if you ask me, it's impossible for them not to follow me.

CAMILLE ELEMIA, REPORTING: It remains unclear how Estrada could help Poe’s candidacy, especially now that the presidential race is getting closer by the day.

He also has his own battles to fight, as he faces strong opponents in the mayoral race of the nation's capital.

Would you like to share your vote?

Welcome to Rappler, a social news network where stories inspire community engagement and digitally fuelled actions for social change. Rappler comes from the root words "rap" (to discuss) + "ripple" (to make waves).